Much like a Resident Evil zombie, director Paul WS Anderson is turning against his own kind. In keeping with the zombie theme, he asserted that “a lot of video game movies are made by directors who don’t know the video games they are based on from a hole in the head.” Some would argue, and by some we mean us here at Geeky Gadgets, that the not knowing games part isn’t the worst. The worst is not caring.
The Resident Evil Franchise: A Unique Success
Say what you will about the Resident Evil movies, they’re probably the most successful video game movie franchise out there and it wasn’t all Mila Jovovich’s fault. There’s a pretty good reason why we’re not seeing a fifth Angelina Jolie vehicle as we speak. The Resident Evil series, despite its mixed reviews, has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the world of video game adaptations. The franchise has grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film series based on a video game.
The success of the Resident Evil movies can be attributed to several factors. First, the films have a dedicated fan base that appreciates the blend of action, horror, and science fiction. Second, the movies have consistently featured high production values, with impressive special effects and action sequences. Lastly, the presence of Mila Jovovich as the lead character, Alice, has provided a strong and consistent anchor for the series.
Paul WS Anderson’s Passion for Resident Evil
“Despite what a lot of haters on the internet might say, I love the Resident Evil games,” the director added. It shows, in a C for effort kind of way, but there’s always room for better. Anderson’s passion for the source material is evident in his work. He has directed four of the six Resident Evil films and has been involved in the production of all six. His dedication to the franchise has helped maintain a level of consistency and continuity that is often lacking in other video game adaptations.
Anderson’s approach to adapting Resident Evil has been to capture the essence of the games while also making changes to suit the cinematic medium. This has included introducing new characters, such as Alice, and altering storylines to create a more cohesive narrative for the films. While some fans of the games may take issue with these changes, others appreciate the fresh take on the familiar material.
The Challenges of Adapting Video Games to Film
Adapting video games to film is no easy task. Video games are an interactive medium, allowing players to immerse themselves in the story and make choices that affect the outcome. Films, on the other hand, are a passive medium, with a fixed narrative that unfolds in a linear fashion. This fundamental difference can make it difficult to translate the experience of playing a game to watching a movie.
One of the biggest challenges is capturing the essence of the game while also making it accessible to a wider audience. This often requires making changes to the story, characters, and gameplay mechanics to fit the constraints of a film. Unfortunately, these changes can sometimes alienate fans of the original game, leading to mixed reviews and box office disappointment.
Examples of Successful and Unsuccessful Adaptations
While the Resident Evil franchise has been successful, other video game adaptations have not fared as well. For example, the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie was a critical and commercial failure, with many fans and critics panning its departure from the source material. Similarly, the 2016 Assassin’s Creed movie, despite a star-studded cast and high production values, failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
On the other hand, there have been some successful adaptations in recent years. The 2019 Detective Pikachu movie, based on the Pokémon franchise, was well-received by both fans and critics, grossing over $430 million worldwide. The 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog movie also performed well at the box office, thanks in part to the filmmakers’ decision to redesign the character following negative feedback from fans.
In conclusion, while video game adaptations can be challenging, they also have the potential to be successful if handled with care and respect for the source material. Paul WS Anderson’s Resident Evil franchise is a testament to this, demonstrating that a deep love for the games and a willingness to make necessary changes can result in a successful film series.
Source MCV
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